Schafer new choir director at Zia

By SAMANTHA MORIN
Daily Press Staff Writer
Artesia (Zia) Intermediate School’s new choir director, Patricia Schafer, knew from a very young age she wanted to teach music.
“Since I was 8 years old, I knew I wanted to teach music. Growing up, I had pictures of Luciano Pavarotti and different composers on my wall,” said Schafer. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
Schafer graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Music Specialization. She first taught fourth grade for one year, then spent the next 14 years as a kindergarten teacher. For the past seven years, Schafer has been teaching music.
After living in Plano, Texas, for the last 25 years, Schafer and her family moved to Artesia this past July when her husband got a job at Yates Petroleum.
“I love it here,” said Schafer of Zia. “The people are so supportive and very willing to help. I couldn’t work without Delecia Miller (Zia choir assistant). She has saved me more than once and helps me meet my deadlines every time.”